News

A DORSET musical group has snubbed an invitation to play at a prestigious Formula One Grand prix over concerns about human rights violations.

The Magic Drum Orchestra, whose members are from the Dorchester area, turned down the chance to perform at the Bahrain Grand Prix in protest at the record of the ruling regime.

After receiving an inquiry from the Bahrain International Circuit, the band investigated the situation there and were concerned by reports about the human rights abuses committed in the country.

A member of the band visited Bahraini activists in London who were gathered to mark the anniversary of the uprising.

On hearing about the violent crackdown on peaceful protests and allegations of torture, the band unanimously decided not to pursue the offer.

They dedicated a song to the people of Bahrain as part of a recent performance to a packed out Electric Palace in Bridport, Dorset, during which a police riot van arrived on the scene to investigate the noise.

The song was the band's own interpretation of Rage Against the Machine's 'Killing in the Name', thought to have been originally written about state violence.

Glyn Bush, of Magic Drum Orchestra, said: “Playing in Bahrain would have been our first international performance, but we felt that pursuing the offer to play would be taking the side of a repressive regime instead of supporting the people.

" W e urge other musicians, drivers and racing fans to take a stand for democracy and human rights by boycotting the event".

Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei, of the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy, said "We are very grateful to Magic Drum Orchestra for choosing to stand with the Bahrain people in opposition to the Bahrain Formula One.

“Every year, the race brings bloodshed and cruelty. Villages are put in lock down, mass arrests are made, and international journalists who step outside the F1 bubble are arrested and deported. We hope others follow Magic Drum Orchestra's honourable decision and boycott the race."

A big well done to The Magic Drum Orchestra, for taking a stand against the barbaric al-Khalifa regime and its excesses against the people of Bahrain.

On Friday, 20 April 2012, I wrote in New Agenda 2012 Blogspot under the heading of "CANCEL THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX " the following text,
"Principle is more important that money. Ecclestone and the Bahrain Royal family grab the kudos, while the Bahrain security forces backed by the Saudi forces, continue to oppress and kill protesters. CANCEL THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX "
The oppression and civil rights abuses against the people and protestors in Bahrain continues unabated today, and yet the worlds media and press continue to ignore it.
Personally, i feel that to continue with the Grand Prix is bloody disgraceful. As in all walks of life and sport, FIA, and Bernie Ecclestone, demonstrate that money is more important than principle. I shall not watch or have any interest. It will not make one iota of difference of course, but it will be a gesture.

A big well done to The Magic Drum Orchestra, for taking a stand against the barbaric al-Khalifa regime and its excesses against the people of Bahrain.
On Friday, 20 April 2012, I wrote in New Agenda 2012 Blogspot under the heading of "CANCEL THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX " the following text,
"Principle is more important that money. Ecclestone and the Bahrain Royal family grab the kudos, while the Bahrain security forces backed by the Saudi forces, continue to oppress and kill protesters. CANCEL THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX "
The oppression and civil rights abuses against the people and protestors in Bahrain continues unabated today, and yet the worlds media and press continue to ignore it.
Personally, i feel that to continue with the Grand Prix is bloody disgraceful. As in all walks of life and sport, FIA, and Bernie Ecclestone, demonstrate that money is more important than principle. I shall not watch or have any interest. It will not make one iota of difference of course, but it will be a gesture.ThomasFairfax

Another pile of propaganda/advertisi
ng masquerading as news. Looking at this lot on behalf of F1 fans and Bernie Eccleston, thank you for NOT going.

Meantime you might want to take a look at your OWN country when it comes to human rights abuses, however seeing as most of that which takes place here happens to white males, I doubt it rings enough P.C bells for your sort.

Your Gesture will not even register .

Another pile of propaganda/advertisi
ng masquerading as news. Looking at this lot on behalf of F1 fans and Bernie Eccleston, thank you for NOT going.
Meantime you might want to take a look at your OWN country when it comes to human rights abuses, however seeing as most of that which takes place here happens to white males, I doubt it rings enough P.C bells for your sort.
Your Gesture will not even register .Sigurd Hoberth